Beginning of Semester Message

Welcome to the start of a new fall semester at UT! As we embrace the heat and stunning sunsets, we’re also filled with anticipation for the fall semester. Our goal with this email is to provide you with the information and resources you need for a smooth and successful transition into the fall semester.

Before we share important updates, we’d like to share a little about the upcoming UT.AI initiative Links to an external site. announcement. We’ve been working on implementing two new safe, secure, and accessible Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms. In addition to Microsoft Copilot Chat, UT Sage and UT Spark are designed to empower our academic community and get us closer to our goal of democratizing AI across the Forty Acres. Stay tuned for the official launch of the UT.AI initiative!

We’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Dr. Stephanie Cawthon and the National Disability Center, who continue to advance accessibility nationally. We encourage you to read their recent article on Disabled Student Recommendations for Faculty and Staff Links to an external site.. One of our favorite quotes is "Access starts with design, but it’s sustained through everyday interactions."

Wishing you a wonderful start to the semester!



Academic Technology Resources

 

Getting started in Canvas

 

Digital Accessibility Center (DAC)

The DAC supports faculty by offering full course accessibility reviews and remediation services. Whether you're updating materials or launching a new course, the DAC ensures your digital content meets accessibility standards. Faculty can request assistance with document accessibility, video captioning, and Canvas content. Contact the DAC for support using digital.accessibility@austin.utexas.edu.

 

New features, Tool Changes, and Highlights

 

Canvas - https://canvas.utexas.edu Links to an external site.

 

Canvas App Store and App Updates

  • Do you wonder what learning tools are approved? Check out the UT Canvas Apps page! We’ve made it easier to find and install approved apps in Canvas. Look for the ‘UT Canvas Apps’ course menu link to get started.
  • If you’re interested in a new technology tool and want to integrate it with Canvas, ISO (Information Security Office) approval and a business contract are required. Check out the External Apps page Links to an external site. for a list of vetted and approved tools/vendors and what to do if a tool isn’t listed.
  • Course Evaluations Canvas Link - Instructors, be sure to keep your Course Evaluations link active in the Canvas navigation menu to ensure student access at the time of evaluation.
  • The UT Student Success tool Links to an external site. is an easy-to-use reporting and messaging tool that allows instructors and TAs to respond to student inactivity in the Canvas course and remind students about upcoming due dates, all in one place.
  • The My Classroom course menu link in Canvas will be your classroom technology resource guide.
  • LinkedIn Learning is now integrated with Canvas, allowing faculty to incorporate videos from LinkedIn Learning’s massive catalogue Links to an external site..

 

Zoom – https://zoom.its.utexas.edu Links to an external site.


Panopto – https://utexas.hosted.panopto.com Links to an external site.

 

Microsoft 365 – https://microsoft365.utexas.edu/ Links to an external site.

  • Everyone at UT is provided a Microsoft 365 account by default, providing access to the Microsoft Office Online suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Outlook, OneNote, Power Platform, and more!
  • Request a Microsoft 365 general consultation or tool specific consultation (SharePoint, Teams, Bookings, Forms, etc...) from microsoft365experience@austin.utexas.edu.
  • We are continuing to expand the Teams/Canvas integration. If you are interested, please contact canvas@utlists.utexas.edu.

 

Updates from our partners in the Office of Academic Technology

AI Detection Software Guidance

Academic Affairs recommends approaching academic integrity concerns through effective course and assessment design Links to an external site.. The University does not endorse AI detection software, and any use requires a University contract to ensure information security, student privacy and intellectual property protections. Review the complete AI Detection Software Guidance here Links to an external site.. In addition, UT’s Responsible AI for Teaching and Learning Working Group has produced a framework for the responsible adoption of AI tools Links to an external site. to ensure that our approach continues to be thoughtful, informed and aligned with the University’s academic values. 

 

FERPA Faculty Training Requirements

Scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, each instructor of record and teaching assistant for a course must complete the required FERPA training at least every two years. This new requirement is published in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) Links to an external site. as of April 30, 2025. View HOP 2-9970 here. Links to an external site. Eligible instructors and TAs will get an email notifying them to complete the asynchronous training in UTLearn Links to an external site. once available. For more information on this new training requirement, visit the FERPA Faculty Training page Links to an external site..



Thank you!

Enterprise Learning Technology (ELT) | Enterprise Technology (ET)

https://canvas.utexas.edu Links to an external site. | canvas@utexas.edu | https://tech.utexas.edu Links to an external site.